Electronic gaming machine and method for holding designated symbols during a wagering game and incrementally increasing a multiplier

ABSTRACT

An electronic gaming machine includes a processor configured to control a display device to display a plurality of columns of symbol positions, where each symbol position includes a symbol selected from a set of symbols. The processor is also configured to determine whether any of the symbol positions include a designated symbol, and if so, to: i) control the display device to hold the designated symbol in the symbol position for at least one subsequent game instance of a series of game instances, and ii) increase a multiplier used in determining a game award from a first multiplier to a second, larger, multiplier. The processor is also configured to evaluate the symbols included in each symbol position to determine whether a winning combination of symbols is displayed. If a winning combination of symbols is displayed, the processor also calculates a game award using one of the first multiplier or the second multiplier.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Australian Patent Application SerialNo. 2019204528, filed Jun. 26, 2019 and entitled A GAMING DEVICE, whichclaims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application Serial No.2018902953, filed Aug. 13, 2018, and entitled A GAMING DEVICE, both ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD

The present application relates to electronic gaming, and moreparticularly to systems and method of electronic gaming, in which one ormore designated symbols may be held in place when they appear within anarray of symbol positions, and in which a multiplier used to calculate agame award may be incrementally increased each time one or more suchdesignated symbols appear within the array.

BACKGROUND

Electronic gaming machines (“EGMs”) or gaming devices provide a varietyof wagering games such as slot games, video poker games, video blackjackgames, roulette games, video bingo games, keno games and other types ofgames that are frequently offered at casinos and other locations. Playon EGMs typically involves a player establishing a credit balance byinputting money, or another form of monetary credit, and placing amonetary wager (from the credit balance) on one or more outcomes of aninstance (or single play) of a primary or base game. In many games, aplayer may qualify for secondary games or bonus rounds by attaining acertain winning combination or triggering event in the base game.Secondary games provide an opportunity to win additional game instances,credits, awards, jackpots, progressives, etc. Awards from any winningoutcomes are typically added back to the credit balance and can beprovided to the player upon completion of a gaming session or when theplayer wants to “cash out.”

“Slot” type games are often displayed to the player in the form ofvarious symbols arrayed in a row-by-column grid or matrix. Specificmatching combinations of symbols along predetermined paths (or paylines)through the matrix indicate the outcome of the game. The displaytypically highlights winning combinations/outcomes for readyidentification by the player. Matching combinations and theircorresponding awards are usually shown in a “pay-table” which isavailable to the player for reference. Often, the player may varyhis/her wager to include differing numbers of paylines and/or the amountbet on each line. By varying the wager, the player may sometimes alterthe frequency or number of winning combinations, frequency or number ofsecondary games, and/or the amount awarded.

Typical games use a random number generator (RNG) to randomly determinethe outcome of each game. The game is designed to return a certainpercentage of the amount wagered back to the player (RTP=return toplayer) over the course of many plays or instances of the game. The RTPand randomness of the RNG are critical to ensuring the fairness of thegames and are therefore highly regulated. Upon initiation of play, theRNG randomly determines a game outcome and symbols are then selectedwhich correspond to that outcome. Notably, some games may include anelement of skill on the part of the player and are therefore notentirely random.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment of the invention, the gaming device is configured suchthat when a series of free games are carried out, when a wild symbolforms part of a winning combination, the reel strip corresponding thewinning combination is held in place for future free games and amultiplier that applies to winning combinations incorporating wildsymbols is incremented such that as more wild symbols are held a largermultiplier applies.

An embodiment provides a gaming device comprising a display, aprocessor, and a memory storing a) a set of symbols including at leastone designated symbol, and b) instructions. When the instructions areexecuted by the processor, cause the processor to initiate a series ofgame instances, and, in each game instance display a plurality ofcolumns of symbol positions, select symbols from the set of symbols foreach symbol position not occupied by a previously held symbol, andcontrol the display to display the selected symbols and any previouslyheld symbols. Upon the selected symbols including a designated symbol,the instructions cause the processor to hold the designated symbol inplace at a respective symbol position for any subsequent game instanceof the series, and increment a multiplier to apply to evaluation ofwinning combinations provided a maximum multiplier has not been reached.The instructions cause the processor evaluate the displayed symbols forwinning combinations, and determine a quantum of each award for awinning combination in accordance the current multiplier.

Another embodiment provides a method of operating a gaming devicecomprising a display. The method comprises initiating a series of gameinstances, and in each game instance, displaying a plurality of columnsof symbol positions on a display of the gaming device, selecting symbolsfrom the set of symbols for each symbol position not occupied by apreviously held symbol, and controlling the display to display theselected symbols and any previously held symbols. Upon the selectedsymbols including a designated symbol, holding the designated symbol inplace at a respective symbol position for any subsequent game instanceof the series, and incrementing a multiplier to apply to evaluation ofwinning combinations provided a maximum multiplier has not been reached.The method also involves evaluating the displayed symbols for winningcombinations, and determining a quantum of each award for a winningcombination in accordance the current multiplier.

Another embodiment provides a gaming system comprising a display, one ormore processors, and at least one memory storing instructions. Whenexecuted by the one or more processors, the instructions cause the oneor more processors to initiate a series of game instances, and, in eachgame instance display a plurality of columns of symbol positions, selectsymbols from the set of symbols for each symbol position not occupied bya previously held symbol, and control the display to display theselected symbols and any previously held symbols. Upon the selectedsymbols including a designated symbol, the instructions cause theprocessor to hold the designated symbol in place at a respective symbolposition for any subsequent game instance of the series, and increment amultiplier to apply to evaluation of winning combinations provided amaximum multiplier has not been reached. The instructions cause theprocessor evaluate the displayed symbols for winning combinations, anddetermine a quantum of each award for a winning combination inaccordance the current multiplier.

In some aspects, an embodiment provides an electronic gaming machine.The electronic gaming machine includes a display device, a memory, and aprocessor. The processor is configured to execute instructions stored inthe memory, which when executed, cause the processor to at least:control the display device to display a plurality of columns of symbolpositions, each symbol position including a symbol selected from a setof symbols; determine whether any of the symbol positions of theplurality of columns of symbol positions include a designated symbol; inresponse to determining that a symbol position includes the designatedsymbol: i) control the display device to hold the designated symbol inthe symbol position for at least one subsequent game instance of aseries of game instances, and ii) increase a multiplier used indetermining a game award from a first multiplier to a second, larger,multiplier; evaluate the symbols included in each symbol position todetermine whether a winning combination of symbols is displayed; and inresponse to a winning combination of symbols being displayed, calculatea game award using one of the first multiplier or the second multiplier.

In some aspects, an embodiment provides a tangible, non-transitory,computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage mediumhas instructions stored thereon, which when executed by a processor,cause the processor to at least: control a display device to display aplurality of columns of symbol positions, each symbol position includinga symbol selected from a set of symbols; determine whether any of thesymbol positions of the plurality of columns of symbol positions includea designated symbol; in response to determining that a symbol positionincludes the designated symbol: i) control the display device to holdthe designated symbol in the symbol position for at least one subsequentgame instance of a series of game instances, and ii) change a multiplierused in calculating a game award; determine whether to provide the gameaward; and in response to determining to provide the game award,calculate the game award using the changed multiplier.

In some aspects, an embodiment provides a method. The method includes:controlling, by a processor, a display device to display a plurality ofcolumns of symbol positions, each symbol position including a symbolselected from a set of symbols; determining, by the processor, whetherany of the symbol positions of the plurality of columns of symbolpositions include a designated symbol; in response to determining that asymbol position includes the designated symbol: i) controlling, by theprocessor, the display device to hold the designated symbol in thesymbol position for at least one subsequent game instance of a series ofgame instances, and ii) incrementing, by the processor, a multiplierused in calculating a game award; determining, by the processor, whetherto provide the game award; and in response to determining to provide thegame award, calculating, by the processor, the game award using one of aprevious multiplier or the increased multiplier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing several EGMs networked withvarious gaming related servers.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing various functional elements of anexemplary EGM.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example reel strip layout.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a symbol selection method.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method of operating a gaming machine.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of operating a gamingdevice.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of a re-spin processduring an electronic gaming process.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary reel display that may appear during electronicgaming.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary reel display that may appear during electronicgaming.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary reel display that may appear during electronicgaming.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary reel display that may appear during electronicgaming.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary reel display that may appear during electronicgaming.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates several different models of EGMs which may benetworked to various gaming related servers. The present invention canbe configured to work as a system 100 in a gaming environment includingone or more server computers 102 (e.g., slot servers of a casino) thatare in communication, via a communications network, with one or moregaming devices 104A-104X (EGMs, slots, video poker, bingo machines,etc.). The gaming devices 104A-104X may alternatively be portable and/orremote gaming devices such as, but not limited to, a smart phone, atablet, a laptop, or a game console.

Communication between the gaming devices 104A-104X and the servercomputers 102, and among the gaming devices 104A-104X, may be direct orindirect, such as over the Internet through a website maintained by acomputer on a remote server or over an online data network includingcommercial online service providers, Internet service providers, privatenetworks, and the like. In other embodiments, the gaming devices104A-104X may communicate with one another and/or the server computers102 over RF, cable TV, satellite links and the like.

In some embodiments, server computers 102 may not be necessary and/orpreferred. For example, the present invention may, in one or moreembodiments, be practiced on a stand-alone gaming device such as gamingdevice 104A, gaming device 104B or any of the other gaming devices104C-104X. However, it is typical to find multiple EGMs connected tonetworks implemented with one or more of the different server computers102 described herein.

The server computers 102 may include a central determination gamingsystem server 106, a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server 108, aplayer tracking system server 110, a progressive system server 112,and/or a casino management system server 114. Gaming devices 104A-104Xmay include features to enable operation of any or all servers for useby the player and/or operator (e.g., the casino, resort, gamingestablishment, tavern, pub, etc.). For example, game outcomes may begenerated on a central determination gaming system server 106 and thentransmitted over the network to any of a group of remote terminals orremote gaming devices 104A-104X that utilize the game outcomes anddisplay the results to the players.

Gaming device 104A is often of a cabinet construction which may bealigned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operationon a casino floor. The gaming device 104A often includes a main door 116which provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device 104Atypically includes a button area or button deck 120 accessible by aplayer that is configured with input switches or buttons 122, an accesschannel for a bill validator 124, and/or an access channel for a ticketprinter 126.

In FIG. 1, gaming device 104A is shown as a Relm XL™ model gaming devicemanufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. As shown, gaming device104A is a reel machine having a gaming display area 118 comprising anumber (typically 3 or 5) of mechanical reels 130 with various symbolsdisplayed on them. The reels 130 are independently spun and stopped toshow a set of symbols within the gaming display area 118 which may beused to determine an outcome to the game. In embodiments where the reelsare mechanical, mechanisms can be employed to implement greaterfunctionality. For example, the boundaries of the gaming display areaboundaries of the gaming display area 118 may be defined by one or moremechanical shutters controllable by a processor. The mechanical shuttersmay be controlled to open and close, to correspondingly reveal andconceal more or fewer symbol positions from the mechanical reels 130.For example, a top boundary of the gaming display area 118 may be raisedby moving a corresponding mechanical shutter upwards to reveal anadditional row of symbol positions on stopped mechanical reels. Further,a transparent or translucent display panel may be overlaid on the gamingdisplay area 118 and controlled to override or supplement what isdisplayed on one or more of the mechanical reel(s).

In many configurations, the gaming machine 104A may have a main display128 (e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gamingdisplay area 118. The main display 128 can be a high-resolution LCD,plasma, LED, or OLED panel which may be flat or curved as shown, acathode ray tube, or other conventional electronically controlled videomonitor.

In some embodiments, the bill validator 124 may also function as a“ticket-in” reader that allows the player to use a casino issued creditticket to load credits onto the gaming device 104A (e.g., in a cashlessticket (“TITO”) system). In such cashless embodiments, the gaming device104A may also include a “ticket-out” printer 126 for outputting a creditticket when a “cash out” button is pressed. Cashless TITO systems arewell known in the art and are used to generate and track uniquebar-codes or other indicators printed on tickets to allow players toavoid the use of bills and coins by loading credits using a ticketreader and cashing out credits using a ticket-out printer 126 on thegaming device 104A. In some embodiments a ticket reader can be usedwhich is only capable of reading tickets. In some embodiments, adifferent form of token can be used to store a cash value, such as amagnetic stripe card.

In some embodiments, a player tracking card reader 144, a transceiverfor wireless communication with a player's smartphone, a keypad 146,and/or an illuminated display 148 for reading, receiving, entering,and/or displaying player tracking information is provided in EGM 104A.In such embodiments, a game controller within the gaming device 104A cancommunicate with the player tracking server system 110 to send andreceive player tracking information.

Gaming device 104A may also include a bonus topper wheel 134. When bonusplay is triggered (e.g., by a player achieving a particular outcome orset of outcomes in the primary game), bonus topper wheel 134 isoperative to spin and stop with indicator arrow 136 indicating theoutcome of the bonus game. Bonus topper wheel 134 is typically used toplay a bonus game, but it could also be incorporated into play of thebase or primary game.

A candle 138 may be mounted on the top of gaming device 104A and may beactivated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons 122) toindicate to operations staff that gaming device 104A has experienced amalfunction or the player requires service. The candle 138 is also oftenused to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a handpayout of an award may be needed.

There may also be one or more information panels 152 which may be aback-lit, silkscreened glass panel with lettering to indicate generalgame information including, for example, a game denomination (e.g.,$0.25 or $1), pay lines, pay tables, and/or various game relatedgraphics. In some embodiments, the information panel(s) 152 may beimplemented as an additional video display.

Gaming devices 104A have traditionally also included a handle 132typically mounted to the side of main cabinet 116 which may be used toinitiate game play.

Many or all the above described components can be controlled bycircuitry (e.g., a gaming controller) housed inside the main cabinet 116of the gaming device 104A, the details of which are shown in FIG. 2.

Note that not all gaming devices suitable for implementing embodimentsof the present invention necessarily include top wheels, top boxes,information panels, cashless ticket systems, and/or player trackingsystems. Further, some suitable gaming devices have only a single gamedisplay that includes only a mechanical set of reels and/or a videodisplay, while others are designed for bar counters or table tops andhave displays that face upwards.

An alternative example gaming device 104B illustrated in FIG. 1 is theArc™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc.Note that where possible, reference numerals identifying similarfeatures of the gaming device 104A embodiment are also identified in thegaming device 104B embodiment using the same reference numbers. Gamingdevice 104B does not include physical reels and instead shows game playfunctions on main display 128. An optional topper screen 140 may be usedas a secondary game display for bonus play, to show game features orattraction activities while a game is not in play, or any otherinformation or media desired by the game designer or operator. In someembodiments, topper screen 140 may also or alternatively be used todisplay progressive jackpot prizes available to a player during play ofgaming device 104B.

Example gaming device 104B includes a main cabinet 116 including a maindoor 118 which opens to provide access to the interior of the gamingdevice 104B. The main or service door 118 is typically used by servicepersonnel to refill the ticket-out printer 126 and collect bills andtickets inserted into the bill validator 124. The door 118 may also beaccessed to reset the machine, verify and/or upgrade the software, andfor general maintenance operations.

Another example gaming device 104C shown is the Helix™ model gamingdevice manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Gaming device 104Cincludes a main display 128A that is in a landscape orientation.Although not illustrated by the front view provided, the landscapedisplay 128A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, oralternatively from side to side. In some embodiments, display 128A is aflat panel display. Main display 128A is typically used for primary gameplay while secondary display 128B is typically used for bonus game play,to show game features or attraction activities while the game is not inplay or any other information or media desired by the game designer oroperator.

Many different types of games, including mechanical slot games, videoslot games, video poker, video black jack, video pachinko, keno, bingo,and lottery, may be provided with or implemented within the depictedgaming devices 104A-104C and other similar gaming devices. Each gamingdevice may also be operable to provide many different games. Games maybe differentiated according to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game(e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill),denomination, number of paylines, maximum jackpot, progressive ornon-progressive, bonus games, and may be deployed for operation in Class2 or Class 3, etc.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting exemplary internal electroniccomponents of a gaming device 200 connected to various external systems.All or parts of the example gaming device 200 shown could be used toimplement any one of the example gaming devices 104A-X depicted inFIG. 1. The games available for play on the gaming device 200 arecontrolled by a game controller 202 that includes one or more processors204 and a game that may be stored as game software or a program 206 in amemory 208 coupled to the processor 204. The memory 208 may include oneor more mass storage devices or media that are housed within gamingdevice 200. Within the mass storage devices and/or memory 208, one ormore databases 210 may be provided for use by the program 206. A randomnumber generator (RNG) 212 that can be implemented in hardware and/orsoftware is typically used to generate random numbers that are used inthe operation of game play to ensure that game play outcomes are randomand meet regulations for a game of chance. In some embodiments, therandom number generator 212 is a pseudo-random number generator.

Alternatively, a game instance (i.e. a play or round of the game) may begenerated on a remote gaming device such as a central determinationgaming system server 106 (not shown in FIG. 2 but see FIG. 1). The gameinstance is communicated to gaming device 200 via the network 214 andthen displayed on gaming device 200. Gaming device 200 may execute gamesoftware, such as but not limited to video streaming software thatallows the game to be displayed on gaming device 200. When a game isstored on gaming device 200, it may be loaded from a memory 208 (e.g.,from a read only memory (ROM)) or from the central determination gamingsystem server 106 to memory 208. The memory 208 may include RAM, ROM oranother form of storage media that stores instructions for execution bythe processor 204.

The gaming device 200 may include a topper display 216 or another formof a top box (e.g., a topper wheel, a topper screen, etc.) which sitsabove main cabinet 218. The gaming cabinet 218 or topper display 216 mayalso house a number of other components which may be used to addfeatures to a game being played on gaming device 200, including speakers220, a ticket printer 222 which prints bar-coded tickets or other mediaor mechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, aticket reader 224 which reads bar-coded tickets or other media ormechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, and aplayer tracking interface 232. The player tracking interface 232 mayinclude a keypad 226 for entering information, a player tracking display228 for displaying information (e.g., an illuminated or video display),a card reader 230 for receiving data and/or communicating information toand from media or a device such as a smart phone enabling playertracking. Ticket printer 222 may be used to print tickets for a TITOsystem server 108. The gaming device 200 may further include a billvalidator 234, buttons 236 for player input, cabinet security sensors238 to detect unauthorized opening of the cabinet 218, a primary gamedisplay 240, and a secondary game display 242, each coupled to andoperable under the control of game controller 202.

Gaming device 200 may be connected over network 214 to player trackingsystem server 110. Player tracking system server 110 may be, forexample, an OASIS® system manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc.Player tracking system server 110 is used to track play (e.g. amountwagered, games played, time of play and/or other quantitative orqualitative measures) for individual players so that an operator mayreward players in a loyalty program. The player may use the playertracking interface 232 to access his/her account information, activatefree play, and/or request various information. Player tracking orloyalty programs seek to reward players for their play and help buildbrand loyalty to the gaming establishment. The rewards typicallycorrespond to the player's level of patronage (e.g., to the player'splaying frequency and/or total amount of game plays at a given casino).Player tracking rewards may be complimentary and/or discounted meals,lodging, entertainment and/or additional play. Player trackinginformation may be combined with other information that is now readilyobtainable by a casino management system.

Gaming devices, such as gaming devices 104A-104X, 200, are highlyregulated to ensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming devices104A-104X, 200 are operable to award monetary awards (e.g., typicallydispensed in the form of a redeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfysecurity and regulatory requirements in a gaming environment, hardwareand software architectures are implemented in gaming devices 104A-104X,200 that differ significantly from those of general-purpose computers.Adapting general purpose computers to function as gaming devices 200 isnot simple or straightforward because of: 1) the regulatory requirementsfor gaming devices 200, 2) the harsh environment in which gaming devices200 operate, 3) security requirements, 4) fault tolerance requirements,and 5) the requirement for additional special purpose componentryenabling functionality of an EGM. These differences require substantialengineering effort with respect to game design implementation, hardwarecomponents and software.

When a player wishes to play the gaming device 200, he/she can insertcash or a ticket voucher through a coin acceptor (not shown) or billvalidator 234 to establish a credit balance on the gamine machine. Thecredit balance is used by the player to place wagers on instances of thegame and to receive credit awards based on the outcome of winninginstances. The credit balance is decreased by the amount of each wagerand increased upon a win. The player can add additional credits to thebalance at any time. The player may also optionally insert a loyaltyclub card into the card reader 230. During the game, the player viewsthe game outcome on the game displays 240, 242. Other game and prizeinformation may also be displayed.

For each game instance, a player may make selections, which may affectplay of the game. For example, the player may vary the total amountwagered by selecting the amount bet per line and the number of linesplayed. In many games, the player is asked to initiate or select optionsduring course of game play (such as spinning a wheel to begin a bonusround or select various items during a feature game). The player maymake these selections using the player-input buttons 236, the primarygame display 240 which may be a touch screen, or using some other inputdevice which enables a player to input information into the gamingdevice 200. In some embodiments, a player's selection may apply across aplurality of game instances. For example, if the player is awardedadditional game instances in the form of free games, the player's priorselection of the amount bet per line and the number of lines played mayapply to the free games. The selections available to a player will varydepending on the embodiment. For example, in some embodiments a numberof pay lines may be fixed. In other embodiments, the availableselections may include different numbers of ways to win instead ofdifferent numbers of pay lines. Selecting a number of pay lines to playis only one example of a player selection. In another example employedin the embodiment described below, the player selects a number of reelsto play as well as a number of reels to be activated for an additionalfeature.

During certain game events, the gaming device 200 may display visual andauditory effects that can be perceived by the player. These effects addto the excitement of a game, which makes a player more likely to enjoythe playing experience. Auditory effects include various sounds that areprojected by the speakers 220. Visual effects include flashing lights,strobing lights or other patterns displayed from lights on the gamingdevice 200 or from lights behind the information panel 152 (FIG. 1).

When the player is done, he/she cashes out the credit balance (typicallyby pressing a cash out button to receive a ticket from the ticketprinter 222). The ticket may be “cashed-in” for money or inserted intoanother machine to establish a credit balance for play.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method 500 of operating a gaming device. Atstep 505, the processor 204 receives a player selection in respect ofplay of the game offered by the gaming device that the player has inputvia an input device such as buttons 236. For example, a number of paylines to play.

In one example, the game is a spinning reel game conducted with fivespinning reels where three symbols are selected for each reel fordisplay in a rectangular array of symbol positions.

At step 510, the processor 204 conducts a base game of the game byselecting symbols for the base game. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of aset 300 of five reel strips 321, 322, 323, 324, 325. In the example,each reel strip has fifteen reel strip positions 301-315. Each reelstrip position of each reel has a symbol. For example, a “WILD” symbol331 occupies the sixth reel strip position 306 of the fourth reel 324.Other reels strips to those illustrated in FIG. 3 can be used, forexample, reel strips where two or more WILD symbols are placed atconsecutive reel strip positions of a reel strip. In other examples, thereel strips could have between 30 and 100 reel strip positions. Theactual length of the feature game reel strips would depend on factorssuch as the number of WILD symbols (in general, the more WILDs thereare, the longer the reel strip needs to be to maintain the target RTP),and volatility (in general, the higher the prize value is, the longerthe reel strip needs to be to lower the hit rate to maintain the targetRTP).

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an example of a method 400 that can be carriedout by the processor 204 to select symbols from reel strips at step 510.At step 410, the processor 204 starts the process of selecting symbolswith a counter (n) set at zero as symbols have not yet been selectedfrom any reel strips. At step 420, the processor 204 increments thecounter. In the first iteration, the counter is incremented to 1 toreflect that symbols are to be selected from a first reel strip. At step430 the processor obtains a randomly generated number from a true orpseudo random number generator 212. At step 440 the processor maps thegenerated number to one of the reel positions of the n^(th) reel strip.In the first iteration, this is the first reel strip. To map thegenerated number to one of the reel positions, the possible values thatcan be returned from the RNG 212 are divided into ranges and associatedwith specific ones of the reel positions in memory 208. In one example,these ranges are stored as a look-up table. In one example, the rangesare each the same size so that each of the reel strip positions has thesame chance of been selected. In other examples, the ranges may bearranged to weight the relative chances of selecting specific reel strippositions. The reel strips may be of different lengths.

At step 450, the processor 204 maps symbols of the nth reel strip to andnth column of symbol display positions based on the mapped reel positionand a reference position. In an example, the reference position is thebottom position of the symbol positions of each column of symbolpositions. In this example, the selected reel position (and hence thesymbol at this position) is mapped to the bottom symbol position of thecolumn. In an example, there are two other symbol positions in thecolumn of symbol positions and hence symbols at two neighbouring reelstrip positions are also mapped to the symbol positions of the column.Referring to the example reel strips of FIG. 3, if the value returned bythe RNG 212 is mapped to reel position 313, then for the first reelstrip 321, “Pic3” symbol 343 is mapped to a bottom symbol position, “10”symbol 342 is mapped to a middle symbol position, and “J” symbol ismapped to a top symbol position.

At step 460, the processor 206 determines whether symbols have beenselected for all of the reel strips, and if not the processor reverts tostep 420 and iterates through steps 430, 440 and 450 until it isdetermined at step 460 that symbols have been selected from all n reelstrips and mapped to all n columns of symbol positions after which thesymbol selection process ends 470. Different numbers of symbols may bemapped to different numbers of symbol positions.

After the symbols of all reel strips have been mapped to symbolposition, the processor 204 controls display 240 to display them at thesymbol positions.

The processor 204 evaluates the symbols at the symbol positions based onthe player selections and a pay table in memory 208 to determine whetherthere are any winning combinations of symbols and the quantum of theaward for any winning combination. The processor adds any award to a winmeter in memory 208.

At step 515, the processor 204 also evaluates the symbols to determinewhether a trigger condition is met. In an embodiment, the trigger isthree or more scatter symbols being selected for the symbol positions.Other trigger mechanisms known in the art may also be used such as theapplicant's HYPERLINK™ trigger. If a trigger condition is not met, theprocessor ends the game 575.

Upon a trigger condition being met, a feature game is initiated by theprocessor 204 in which a series of free game instances areconducted—i.e. additional game instances are generated and evaluatedwithout a player making a further wager. In the embodiment, winningcombinations are evaluated based on the same paylines the playerselected for play of the game at step 505.

In the embodiment, a player is offered a selection at step 520 thataffects the number of free game instances that are conducted. In otherembodiments, the number of free game instances may be fixed or dependenton the number of scatter symbols in the trigger. In embodiments of theinvention, winning combinations with one or more WILD symbols (a symbolthat can substitute for others in a winning combination) attract amultiplier.

In one example, the selectable options are displayed as selectable iconson a touch screen of display 240. The player can select from:

-   -   20 free games where wins with WILD substituting have ×2, ×3 or        ×5 multiplier applied.    -   15 free games where wins with WILD substituting have ×3, ×5 or        ×8 multiplier applied.    -   10 free games where wins with WILD substituting have ×5, ×8 or        ×10 multiplier applied.    -   8 free games where wins with WILD substituting have ×8, ×10 or        ×15 multiplier applied.    -   5 free games where wins with WILD substituting have ×10, ×15 or        ×30 multiplier applied.

In some examples, the WILD symbol may have a different visual appearancedepending on the selected option to assist the player in recalling whichoption has been selected.

At step 525, the processor 204 receives a player selection. In someexamples, if a player does not select an option in time, the processorselects one of the options using RNG 212 or selects a default option.

At step 530, the processor 204 sets, in memory 208, a game instancecounter based on the player's selection. The processor also sets thelowest value of the set of multipliers associated with the selectedoption as the initial multiplier. For example, if the player selects the5 game option, the initial multiplier that will apply to a win with WILDsubstituting will the ×10 multiplier and the game instance counter isset to 5.

At step 535, the processor 204 decrements the game instance counter by1.

At step 540, the processor selects symbols from a symbol set stored inmemory 208 for each symbol position not occupied by a previously heldsymbol. In the example, in the first game instance, no symbol is held.In one example, the symbol set is the set of reel strips used in thebase game. In another example, a different set of reel strips are used.In either case, symbols are selected by the processor using the methoddescribed in relation to FIGS. 3 and 4.

At step 542, the processor 204 evaluates the selected symbols for anywinning combinations based on the pay table. If any winning combinationsincluded the WILD symbol, a multiplier is applied to the amount in thewinning combination. Any awards are added to win meter in memory 208.

At step 545, the processor determines whether the symbols of any winningcombination included a designated symbol, in this example, the WILDsymbol. Upon, the selected symbols including a WILD symbol, theprocessor 204 updates memory to indicate that the WILD symbol will beheld in place for all subsequent game instances of the series of gameinstance at step 550.

At step 560, the processor 204 updates the current multiplier to thenext multiplier in the set of multipliers. For example, based on theselection above, the processor changes the current multiplier to ×15.This multiplier will then be applied to the next game round. In otherembodiments, the multiplier is updated before the selected symbols areevaluated except the first time a WILD symbol is selected.

At step 570, the processor determines whether the game instance counterhas reached zero—i.e. all of the game instances have been selected. Ifthey have, the processor 204 ends 575 the game.

If there are further game instances are to be conducted, the processor204 reverts to step 535.

As described above, if a WILD symbol forms part of win, it is held inplace by the processor for each subsequent game instance. In oneexample, the processor achieves this by holding in place the all thesymbols of the column in which the WILD symbol was selected by updatingmemory 208 to indicate that symbols should not be selected for thiscolumn in subsequent game instances of the series of game instances.Accordingly, where at step 540 one or more columns are already populatedby held symbols, the processor 204 only selects symbols from the reelstrips corresponding to symbol positions not populated by held symbols(again using the technique of FIGS. 3 and 4).

In another example, the processor 204 only holds the WILD symbol inplace and selects new symbols for each of the other symbols for theother symbol positions. In this example, the processor 204 continues toselect symbols for each of the columns of symbol positions but“overwrites” the symbol selected for a position occupied by a held WILDsymbol with the held WILD symbol by not displaying the selected symbol.For example, if a WILD symbol is held at the middle symbol position of acolumn of three symbol positions, and the processor selects Ace, Kingand Ace symbols for the top, middle, and bottom symbol positions, thenthe Ace, WILD and Ace will be displayed at the symbol positions.

In an example, the designated symbol does not appear on at least onereel strip, for example, on the leftmost and right most reel strip sothat new symbols will be selected from at least some reel strips in eachgame instance.

Further, once the multiplier reaches the largest multiplier in the set,the it is no longer incremented at step 50. For example, based on theabove example, the ×30 multiplier is the largest multiplier. In anexample, where the number of reel strips and multipliers are the same,and symbols in a column for which a WILD has featured in a winningcombination are held by the processor 204, once the largest multiplierhas been reached all the reel strips that have designated symbols willbe held and hence the number of designated symbols in a winningcombination will be at a fixed maximum. For example, where three reelstrips carry a WILD symbol and there are three possible multipliers,once three WILD symbols has been held, the a new WILD symbol cannotappear in a later winning combination.

In another example, the multiplier may be incremented in a differentmanner, for example, by a fixed amount (e.g. 1) or by a factor (e.g. ×2)each time a designated symbol is held.

In view of the foregoing, one technical improvement embodied by thepresent wagering game is that players of the wagering game may perceivea certain sense of equity, investment, and accomplishment in thewagering game as progress is made through the series of incrementallyincreasing multipliers. For example, a player who selects an option toplay twenty free games (as described above) may feel a sense ofachievement as the multiplier increases from an initial value of “×2” tolarger values of “×3” and “×5.”

Likewise, as described below with respect to the “RE-SPIN WILD” featureof the present disclosure, another technical improvement is that playersmay perceive an additional level of advancement or achievement, in thatadditional respins may be added to a player's series of free games(e.g., from twenty free games to twenty-three free games) each time aRE-SPIN WILD symbol lands during the wagering game. For instance, as aplayer's number of free spins continues to increase, the player may(correctly) feel that his or her chances of reaching and maintaining afinal (greatest) multiplier are improved as well.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method 600 of operating a gaming device 200of another embodiment. At step 605, the processor 204 receives a playerselection in respect of play of the game offered by the gaming device200 that the player has input via an input device such as buttons 236.For example, a number of reels to play which will be used in anevaluation of the symbols as well as a bet multiplier. In one example,for each selected reel, all symbols of that reel can form part of awinning combination while for non-selected reels, only a defined symbolposition can form part of the winning combination, in one example, themiddle symbol position of each column. One example, of such anevaluation is marketed by the applicant under the name “Reel Power”. Inone example, there are no wager types including non-selected reels andthe player can only chose between bet multipliers. In one example, aselection, for example, a maximum bet may results in a different type ofevaluation, for example, a pay lien based evaluation.

In this example, the game is conducted with five spinning reels wherethree symbols are selected for each reel for display in a rectangulararray of symbol positions. Accordingly, there are 243 ways to win if theplayer selects to play all reels.

Prior to conducting the base game in a manner similar to that describedin relation to FIG. 5, at step 607, the processor 204 configures thereel strips to be used in the game by conducting a random determinationusing RNG 212 and a weighted table stored in memory 208 to determinewhether the WILD symbols of the reel strips corresponding to the middlethree columns of symbol positions should be changed to “RE-SPIN WILD”symbols.

FIG. 8 is an example screen display 800 showing an example of threesymbols selected for each column 811-815 of symbol positions. FIG. 8shows an example of an unchanged WILD symbol. In this example, the WILDis represented by as a green Dragon. Markers 801-803 indicate that themiddle three columns 812-814 are the columns where the WILD symbol canbe changed to RE-SPIN WILD.

In an example, weighted table defines the relative odds of the WILDsymbols being changed by assigning part of the range that can bereturned by RNG 212 to the outcome of changing the WILD symbols and theremainder of the range to not changing the WILD symbols. In an example,the weighted table stores different ranges in association with differentwagers that the player can make as part of making a player selection.The processor 204 selects the relevant entry from the weighted tablebased on the player selections.

If the outcome of step 607 is that the WILD symbols are to be changed,processor 204 changes the reel strips to incorporate “RE-SPIN WILD”symbols at step 609. FIG. 9 is an example screen display 800 showing twoRE-SPIN WILD symbols 931,932. In this example, represented by adifferent representation of a Dragon and the word “RESPIN”.

At step 610, the processor 204 conducts a base game of the game byselecting symbols for the base game from the configured five reel stripsusing the same process described above in FIG. 4.

The processor 204 evaluates the symbols at the symbol positions based onthe player selections and a pay table in memory 208 to determine whetherthere are any winning combinations of symbols and the quantum of theaward for any winning combination. The processor adds any award to a winmeter in memory 208.

At step 615, the processor 204 also evaluates the symbols to determinewhether a re-spin feature is to be triggered. In this example, triggercondition for the re-spin feature is that the selected symbols includeat least one RE-SPIN WILD symbol. Accordingly, in this example, there-spin feature is only triggerable in games where the reel strips areconfigured to have the RE-SPIN WILD symbol. In other examples, there-spin feature may be triggerable in all games.

Upon the re-spin feature being triggered, processor 204 proceeds to step620A and conducts the re-spins as described in more detail in FIG. 7. Inthis example, the re-spin feature can be triggered both from the basegame and from the free games feature described below at step 620B. Whilethe processor 204 returns to different steps after the conduct of thesefeatures and the multipliers that may be applied by processor 204 arefrom different pools of available multipliers, the processes carried outby processor 204 to conduct the re-spin features at steps 620A and 620Bare otherwise the same and hence a common process is shown in FIG. 7.

As shown in FIG. 7, processor 204 enters step 620 either from step 615or step 665 and this determines whether processing continues at step 625or step 670 after the sub-steps 705-765 of the re-spin feature areconducted.

At step 705, the processor 204 “nudges” (moves) each RE-SPIN WILD symbolto the middle position of the three symbol positions of the column inwhich it is selected if this is necessary. An example of this process isshown in FIGS. 10 and 11 where RE-SPIN WILD symbol 1033 lands at the topsymbol position of the second column 812 as shown in FIG. 10 beforebeing nudged to the middle position of the second column 812 as shown inFIG. 11.

It is also possible for the RE-SPIN WILD symbol to land on the middleposition. FIG. 9 shows an example, where RE-SPIN WILD symbols 931,932have landed in the middle symbol positions of third and fourth columns813,814.

At step 710, the processor 204 sets each reel having a RE-SPIN WILDsymbol as held. The effect of setting the reel as held is that theprocessor does not select symbols for that reel during the re-spins. Toindicate to the player that the reels are held, an animated flame borderis added around the relevant columns. For example, as shown in thescreen display 1000 of FIG. 10, flame borders 1041, 1042 have been addedaround columns 813 and 814.

At step 715, the processor 204 sets a re-spin counter in memory 208 to adefined number of re-spins. In one example to three re-spins. Agraphical representation of the counter is also added to the screendisplay. An example counter 1050 is shown in screen display 1000.

At step 720, the processor 204 commences the process of conducting thereel spins by decreasing the re-spin counter by one.

At step 725, the processor 204 selects symbol from the reel strips ofeach non-held reel. In this respect, the processor 204 employs amodified version of the process described in relation to FIG. 4 where,after incrementing the counter at step 420, processor 204 tests whetherthe value of the counter corresponds to a held reel strip and if it doesreverts to step 420 rather than proceeding to step 430 to thereby skipover selecting symbols for the reels that are held.

At step 730, the processor 204 evaluates the symbols for winningcombinations based on the pay table stored in memory and the player'sselection. In this respect, the processor 204 iterates through all ofthe combinations of symbol positions defined by the player's selection,and evaluations these combinations from left to right to determinewhether they include enough symbols to form a winning combination asdefined by pay table, e.g. 3, 4 or 5 of the same symbol. As will beappreciated, such winning combinations can be completed by a RE-SPINWILD symbol substituting in the winning combination.

At step 735, the processor 204 determines whether there are any winningcombinations incorporating a RE-SPIN WILD symbol. And if so proceeds tostep 740 of applying a current multiplier to the winning amount for thesymbol combination. At step 745, the processor determines whether amaximum multiplier has been reached and if not increments the multiplierthat will apply in any following re-spin at step 750. In this respect,in one example, an array defining the set multipliers is stored inmemory 208 and provided there is a further multiplier in the array,processor 204 updates a pointer to the next multiplier in the array. Ifthe last multiplier is reached, the pointer is not updated again untilit is reset at the conclusion of the re-spin feature game. In oneexample, the multipliers are 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 15, 30 and 40.

At step 755, processor adds each winning amount to a win meter in memory208.

At step 760 the processor determines whether a further RE-SPIN WILDsymbol was selected during this re-spin and if not, proceed to step 765of determining whether the re-spin counter has reached zero—i.e. whethermore re-spins are to be conducted. If there are remaining re-spins,processor 204 reverts to step 720. If there are no remaining re-spinsprocessor 204 reverts to step 625 or 670 as appropriate.

If at step 760, there is a further RE-SPIN WILD symbol, processor 204reverts to step 705 before conducting further re-spins and nudges the oreach additional RE-SPIN WILD symbol to the middle symbol position. Atstep 710, the processor 204 sets the or each additional reel as held. Atstep 715, the processor sets the re-spin counter back to the initialvalue such that each additional RE-SPIN WILD symbol results inadditional re-spins.

At step 625, the processor 204 evaluates the symbols to determinewhether a trigger condition is met for a “Free games” feature. In anexample, the free games are conducted only after any re-spin feature hasbeen completed. In an embodiment, the trigger is three or more scattersymbols being selected for the symbol positions prior to any nudging ofany RE-SPIN WILD symbols. Other trigger mechanisms known in the art mayalso be used such as the applicant's HYPERLINK™ trigger. If a triggercondition is not met, the processor ends the game 575.

Upon a trigger condition being met, the free games feature game isinitiated by the processor 204 in which a series of free game instancesare conducted—i.e. additional game instances are generated and evaluatedwithout a player making a further wager. In the embodiment, winningcombinations are evaluated based on the same selections received at step505.

In the embodiment, a player is offered a selection at step 630 thataffects the number of free game instances that are conducted

In one example, the selectable options are displayed as selectable iconson a touch screen of display 240 and each selectable option isassociated with a different coloured dragon WILD symbol to assist theplayer in recalling which option has been selected.

In one example, the player can select from:

-   -   20 free games where wins during any re-spins with WILD        substituting have ×2, ×3 or ×5 multiplier applied.    -   15 free games where wins during any re-spins with WILD        substituting have ×3, ×5 or ×8 multiplier applied.    -   10 free games where wins during any re-spins with WILD        substituting have ×5, ×8 or ×10 multiplier applied.    -   8 free games where wins during any re-spins with WILD        substituting have ×8, ×10 or ×15 multiplier applied.    -   5 free games where wins during any re-spins with WILD        substituting have ×10, ×15 or ×30 multiplier applied.    -   3 free games where wins during any re-spins with WILD        substituting have ×15, ×30 or ×40 multiplier applied,

At step 635, the processor 204 receives a player selection. In someexamples, if a player does not select an option in time, the processorselects one of the options using RNG 212 or selects a default option.

At step 640, the processor 204 sets, in memory 208, a game instancecounter based on the player's selection. The processor also sets thelowest value of the set of multipliers associated with the selectedoption as the initial multiplier to be applied during any re-spins. Forexample, if the player selects the 5 game option, the initial multiplierthat will apply to a win during any re-spins with WILD substituting willthe ×10 multiplier and the game instance counter is set to 5.

At step 650, the processor 204 decrements the game instance counter by1.

Prior to conducting each free game of the feature game, the processor204 configures the reel strips to be used in the free game by conductinga random determination at step 652 using RNG 212 and a weighted tablestored in memory 208 to determine whether the WILD symbols of the reelstrips corresponding to the middle three columns of symbol positionsshould be changed to RE-SPIN WILD symbols at step 654. In this respect,the process at steps 652 and 654 may be the same as that described inrelation to steps 607 and 609. In another example, the weighted tablefor determining whether to change the symbols to RE-SPIN WILD symbolsmay be related to the player's selection received at step 635.

At step 655, the processor 204 also evaluates the symbols to determinewhether a re-spin feature is to be triggered. As in the base game, thetrigger condition for the re-spin feature is that the selected symbolsinclude at least one RE-SPIN WILD symbol. Accordingly, in this example,the re-spin feature is only triggerable in free games where the reelstrips are configured to have the RE-SPIN WILD symbol.

Upon the re-spin feature being triggered, processor 204 proceeds to step620B and conducts the re-spin feature as described in more detail inFIG. 7. In this respect, as indicated above when triggered from thefeature game, the set of multipliers that applies and can be incrementedduring the re-spin feature corresponds to the player's selection. Thus,if the player has selected the five free games the multiplier willinitially be a ×10 multiplier but can increment to ×15 or ×30 based onthe as a result of steps 730 to 750 being carried out by processor 204.As the ×30 multiplier is the maximum multiplier, the multiplier can onlybe incremented twice at step 750.

After the re-spin feature 620B has been completed, processing returns tostep 570, the processor determines whether the game instance counter hasreached zero—i.e. all of the game instances have been selected. If theyhave, the processor 204 ends 680 the game.

If there are further game instances are to be conducted, the processor204 reverts to step 535.

In alternative examples, the re-spin feature may only available in thebase game or only available in the base game for certain bet types suchas a maximum bet.

An example embodiment provides a gaming device comprising:

a display;

a processor; and

a memory storing a) a set of symbols including at least one designatedsymbol, and b) instructions which when executed by the processor, causethe processor to initiate a series of game instances, and in each gameinstance:

-   -   display a plurality of columns of symbol positions;    -   select symbols from the set of symbols for each symbol position        not occupied by a previously held symbol;    -   control the display to display the selected symbols and any        previously held symbols;    -   upon the selected symbols including a designated symbol, hold        the designated symbol in place at a respective symbol position        for any subsequent game instance of the series, and increment a        multiplier to apply to evaluation of winning combinations        provided a maximum multiplier has not been reached;    -   evaluate the displayed symbols for winning combinations; and    -   determining a quantum of each award for a winning combination in        accordance the current multiplier.

In an example embodiment, the set of symbols comprises a plurality ofreel strips that correspond to respective ones of the plurality ofcolumns of symbol positions.

In an example embodiment, when the instructions are executed by theprocessor, they cause the processor to select symbols for each symbolposition not occupied by a previously held symbol by selecting stoppingpositions for each of the plurality of reel strips.

In an example embodiment, when the instructions are executed by theprocessor, they cause the processor to hold all symbols of a column ofsymbol positions in place upon the column of selected symbol positionsincluding a selected designated symbol.

In an example embodiment, when the instructions are executed by theprocessor, they cause the processor to the processor to receive aninitial player selection, conduct a base game instance, and initiate theseries of game instances responsive to a trigger condition being met inrespect of the base game instance.

In an example embodiment, prior to initiating the series of gameinstances, the gaming device receives a selection from among a pluralityof player selectable options, each option defining a number of gameinstances, an initial multiplier and at least one higher multiplier.

In an example embodiment, when the instructions are executed by theprocessor, they cause the processor to increment the multiplier by adefined factor.

In an example embodiment, when the instructions are executed by theprocessor, they cause the processor to increment the multiplier by adefined amount.

In an example embodiment, when the instructions are executed by theprocessor, they cause the processor to increment the multiplier to anext multiplier of a defined series of multipliers.

In an example embodiment, only a subset of the reel strips include thedesignated symbol.

In an example embodiment, there are five columns of symbol positions andfive reel strips, and the reel strips corresponding to the middle threecolumns of symbol positions include the designated symbol.

In another example embodiment, there is provided a method of operating agaming device comprising a display, the method comprising:

initiating a series of game instances, and in each game instance:

-   -   displaying a plurality of columns of symbol positions on a        display of the gaming device;    -   selecting symbols from the set of symbols for each symbol        position not occupied by a previously held symbol;    -   controlling the display to display the selected symbols and any        previously held symbols;    -   upon the selected symbols including a designated symbol, holding        the designated symbol in place at a respective symbol position        for any subsequent game instance of the series, and incrementing        a multiplier to apply to evaluation of winning combinations        provided a maximum multiplier has not been reached;    -   evaluating the displayed symbols for winning combinations; and    -   determining a quantum of each award for a winning combination in        accordance the current multiplier.

In an example embodiment, the designated symbol is a wild symbol thatsubstitutes of other symbols in winning combinations.

In an example embodiment, the set of symbols comprises a plurality ofreel strips that correspond to respective ones of the plurality ofcolumns of symbol positions.

In an example embodiment, selecting symbols for each symbol position notoccupied by a previously held symbol comprises selecting stoppingpositions for each of the plurality of reel strips.

In an example embodiment, holding all symbols of a column of symbolpositions in place upon the column of selected symbol positionsincluding a selected designated symbol.

In an example embodiment, the method comprises receiving an initialplayer selection, conducting a base game instance, and initiating theseries of game instances responsive to a trigger condition being met inrespect of the base game instance.

In an example embodiment, the method comprises receiving a selectionfrom among a plurality of player selectable options prior to initiatingthe series of game instances, each option defining a number of gameinstances, an initial multiplier and at least one higher multiplier.

In an example embodiment, the method comprises incrementing themultiplier by a defined factor.

In an example embodiment, the method comprises incrementing themultiplier by a defined amount.

In an example embodiment, the method comprises incrementing themultiplier to a next multiplier of a defined series of multipliers.

In an example embodiment, only a subset of the reel strips include thedesignated symbol.

In an example embodiment, there are five columns of symbol positions andfive reel strips, and the reel strips corresponding to the middle threecolumns of symbol positions include the designated symbol.

In an example embodiment, the designated symbol is a wild symbol thatsubstitutes of other symbols in winning combinations.

In another example embodiment, there is provided a gaming systemcomprising:

a display;

one or more processors; and

at least one memory storing instructions which when executed by the oneor more processors, cause the one or more processors to initiate aseries of game instances, and in each game instance:

-   -   display a plurality of columns of symbol positions;    -   select symbols from the set of symbols for each symbol position        not occupied by a previously held symbol;    -   control the display to display the selected symbols and any        previously held symbols;    -   upon the selected symbols including a designated symbol, hold        the designated symbol in place at a respective symbol position        for any subsequent game instance of the series, and increment a        multiplier to apply to evaluation of winning combinations        provided a maximum multiplier has not been reached;    -   evaluate the displayed symbols for winning combinations; and    -   determining a quantum of each award for a winning combination in        accordance the current multiplier.

Another example embodiment provides computer program code which whenexecuted implements the above method.

Another example embodiment provides a non-transitory computer readablemedium comprising the computer program.

While the invention has been described with respect to the figures, itwill be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made bythose skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of theinvention. Any variation and derivation from the above description andfigures are included in the scope of the present invention as defined bythe claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic gaming machine comprising: adisplay device configured to provide graphical display output; an inputdevice configured to receive selection input during game play; a memory;and a processor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory,which when executed, cause the processor to at least: display a featuregame selection interface that includes at least a first selection and asecond selection, the first selection includes a first number of gameinstances and a first set of multiplier values, the second selectionincludes a second number of game instances and a second set ofmultiplier values different than the first set of multiplier values, thefirst and second sets of multiplier values define a fixed order; receivean input identifying the first selection from the feature game selectioninterface, thereby identifying the first set of multiplier values as anactive set of multiplier values for use during a feature game; controlthe display device to display a plurality of columns of symbolpositions, each symbol position including a symbol selected from a setof symbols; determine whether any of the symbol positions of theplurality of columns of symbol positions include a designated symbol; inresponse to determining that a symbol position includes the designatedsymbol: i) control the display device to hold the designated symbol inthe symbol position for at least one subsequent game instance of thefirst number of game instances, and ii) advance a current multipliervalue to the next multiplier value in the active set of multipliervalues based on the fixed order of the active set of multiplier values;evaluate the symbols included in each symbol position to determinewhether a winning combination of symbols is displayed; and in responseto a winning combination of symbols being displayed, calculate a gameaward using the current multiplier value.
 2. The electronic gamingmachine of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed, furthercause the processor to control the display device during the at leastone subsequent game instance to select new symbols to be displayed inthe plurality of columns of symbol positions, except for the symbolposition including the designated symbol.
 3. The electronic gamingmachine of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed, furthercause the processor to at least: determine an award associated with thewinning combination of symbols; and multiply the award associated withthe winning combination of symbols by the current multiplier value tocalculate the game award.
 4. The electronic gaming machine of claim 1,wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the processor toat least: determine that a trigger condition is satisfied in a base gameplayed on the electronic gaming machine; and display the feature gameselection interface in response to the trigger condition beingsatisfied, wherein the first number of game instances are awarded asfree games that do not require placement of an additional wager.
 5. Theelectronic gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the instructions, whenexecuted, further cause the processor to at least: determine whether anyof the symbol positions of the plurality of columns of symbol positionsinclude the designated symbol; and in response to the symbol positionincluding the designated symbol, hold a column of the plurality ofcolumns that includes the symbol position having the designated symbolfor at least one subsequent game instance of the first number of gameinstances.
 6. The electronic gaming machine of claim 1, wherein theinstructions, when executed, further cause the processor to at least:determine whether any of the symbol positions of the plurality ofcolumns of symbol positions include the designated symbol; and inresponse to the symbol position including the designated symbol, add oneor more additional game instances to the first number of game instancesto prolong a duration of the series of game instances.
 7. The electronicgaming machine of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed,further cause the processor to at least: identify a first column of theplurality of columns having the designated symbol in a symbol position;advance the first column one of forward and backward at least one symbolposition such that the designated symbol is moved toward a center of anactive play area; and hold the first column for at least one subsequentgame instance.
 8. A tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable storagemedium having instructions stored thereon, which when executed by aprocessor, cause the processor to at least: display a feature gameselection interface that includes at least a first selection and asecond selection, the first selection includes a first number of gameinstances and a first set of multiplier values, the second selectionincludes a second number of game instances and a second set ofmultiplier values different than the first set of multiplier values, thefirst and second sets of multiplier values define a fixed order; receivean input identifying the first selection from the feature game selectioninterface, thereby identifying the first set of multiplier values as anactive set of multiplier values for use during a feature game; control adisplay device to display a plurality of columns of symbol positions,each symbol position including a symbol selected from a set of symbols;determine whether any of the symbol positions of the plurality ofcolumns of symbol positions include a designated symbol; in response todetermining that a symbol position includes the designated symbol: i)control the display device to hold the designated symbol in the symbolposition for at least one subsequent game instance of the first numberof game instances, and ii) advance a current multiplier value to thenext multiplier value in the active set of multiplier values based onthe fixed order of the active set of multiplier values; determinewhether to provide the game award; and in response to determining toprovide the game award, calculate the game award using the currentmultiplier value.
 9. The tangible, non-transitory, computer-readablestorage medium of claim 8, wherein the instructions, when executed,further cause the processor to at least control the display deviceduring the at least one subsequent game instance to select new symbolsto be displayed in the plurality of columns of symbol positions, exceptfor the symbol position including the designated symbol.
 10. Thetangible, non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium of claim 8,wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the processor toat least: determine an initial award value; and multiply the initialaward value by the current multiplier value to calculate the game award.11. The tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium ofclaim 8, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause theprocessor to at least: determine that a trigger condition is satisfiedin a base game; and display the feature game selection interface inresponse to the trigger condition being satisfied, wherein the firstnumber of game instances are awarded as free games that do not requireplacement of a wager.
 12. The tangible, non-transitory,computer-readable storage medium of claim 8, wherein the instructions,when executed, further cause the processor to at least: determinewhether any of the symbol positions of the plurality of columns ofsymbol positions include the designated symbol; and in response to thesymbol position including the designated symbol, hold a column of theplurality of columns that includes the symbol position having thedesignated symbol for at least one subsequent game instance of the firstnumber of game instances.
 13. The tangible, non-transitory,computer-readable storage medium of claim 8, wherein the instructions,when executed, further cause the processor to at least: determinewhether any of the symbol positions of the plurality of columns ofsymbol positions include the designated symbol; and in response to thesymbol position including the designated symbol, add one or moreadditional game instances to the first number of game instances toprolong a duration of the series of game instances.
 14. The tangible,non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium of claim 8, wherein theinstructions, when executed, further cause the processor to at least:identify a first column of the plurality of columns having thedesignated symbol in a symbol position; advance the first column one offorward and backward at least one symbol position such that thedesignated symbol is moved toward a center of an active play area; andhold the first column for at least one subsequent game instance.
 15. Amethod comprising: controlling, by a processor, a display device todisplay a feature game selection interface that includes at least afirst selection and a second selection, the first selection includes afirst number of game instances and a first set of multiplier values, thesecond selection includes a second number of game instances and a secondset of multiplier values different than the first set of multipliervalues, the first and second sets of multiplier values define a fixedorder; receiving an input identifying the first selection from thefeature game selection interface, thereby identifying the first set ofmultiplier values as an active set of multiplier values for use during afeature game; controlling, by the processor, the display device todisplay a plurality of columns of symbol positions, each symbol positionincluding a symbol selected from a set of symbols; determining, by theprocessor, whether any of the symbol positions of the plurality ofcolumns of symbol positions include a designated symbol; in response todetermining that a symbol position includes the designated symbol: i)controlling, by the processor, the display device to hold the designatedsymbol in the symbol position for at least one subsequent game instanceof the first number of game instances, and ii) advancing a currentmultiplier value to the next multiplier value in the active set ofmultiplier values based on the fixed order of the active set ofmultiplier values; determining, by the processor, whether to provide thegame award; and in response to determining to provide the game award,calculating, by the processor, the game award using the currentmultiplier value.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:determining, by the processor, an initial award value; and multiplying,by the processor, the initial award value by the current multipliervalue to calculate the game award.
 17. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising: determining, by the processor, that a trigger condition issatisfied in a base game; and controlling, by the processor, the displaydevice to display the feature game selection interface in response tothe trigger condition being satisfied, wherein the first number of gameinstances are awarded as free games that do not require placement of awager.
 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising: determining, bythe processor, whether any of the symbol positions of the plurality ofcolumns of symbol positions include the designated symbol; and inresponse to the symbol position including the designated symbol,holding, by the processor, a column of the plurality of columns thatincludes the symbol position having the designated symbol for at leastone subsequent game instance of the first number of game instances. 19.The method of claim 15, further comprising: determining, by theprocessor, whether any of the symbol positions of the plurality ofcolumns of symbol positions include the designated symbol; and inresponse to the symbol position including the designated symbol, adding,by the processor, one or more additional game instances to the series ofgame instances to prolong a duration of the first number of gameinstances.
 20. The method of claim 15, further comprising: identifying afirst column of the plurality of columns having the designated symbol ina symbol position; advancing the first column one of forward andbackward at least one symbol position such that the designated symbol ismoved toward a center of an active play area; and holding the firstcolumn for at least one subsequent game instance.